Microbiological features of stable osseointegrated implants used as abutments for overdentures

The microflora associated with osseointegrated implants used as abutments for overdentures was investigated in 18 edentulous patients, 2 years after implantation. 52.8% of the organisms cultured were facultatively anaerobic cocci and 17.4% were facultatively anaerobic rods, while Gram-negative anaerobic rods accounted for only 7.3%. Fusobacterium sp. and Bacteroides intermedius were both found in 8.8% of the samples. B. gingivalis and spirochetes were not found. Repeated microbiological and clinical data were collected in 9 patients during the 3rd, 4th and 5th year after implantation. No significant time trends were noted. Separate samples taken within the same patient from different sites were similar. Therefore, bacteriological independence of sites could not be assumed for the conditions investigated.